Who is affected?

Bell's palsy is a rare condition that affects about one in 5,000 people a year. It's most common in people aged 15-60, but people outside this age group can also suffer from the condition. Both men and women are affected equally.

Bell's palsy is more common in pregnant women and those with diabetes and HIV, for reasons that are not yet fully understood.

Treating Bell's palsy

Around seven out of 10 people with Bell's palsy make a complete recovery, with or without treatment.

Most people notice an improvement in their symptoms after about two to three weeks but a complete recovery can take up to nine months. The recovery time varies from person to person and will depend on the amount of nerve damage.

Prednisolone, a type of corticosteroid, is used to reduce the swelling of the facial nerve.

Eye drops may be required to prevent problems if you are unable to close your eye. Tape may also be used to close the eye while sleeping.